Overall, the climate data suggests Neerim Junction offers favourable conditions for regenerating our old farm into a permaculture farm. The mean annual rainfall is 1115.9 mm. The highest recorded rainfall was 1392.3 mm in 2020, while the lowest recorded rainfall was 753.6 mm in 1990. The temperate climate shows typical seasonal variation on the cooler side, with the average maximum temperature ranging from 12.0°C in July to 25.2°C in February.
The temperate climate in Neerim Junction shows typical seasonal variation on the cooler side, with the mean maximum temperature ranging from 12.0°C in July to 25.2°C in February. The lowest maximum temperature recorded was 4.5°C in August, while the highest recorded temperature was 43.2°C in February.
The mean annual rainfall is 1115.9 mm. The highest recorded rainfall was 1392.3 mm in 2020, while the lowest recorded rainfall was 753.6 mm in 1990.
It tends to be cloudy in Neerim Junction much of the time. The average daily solar exposure ranges from 5.9 MJ/m2 in June to 23.3 MJ/m2 in January. The average number of clear days ranges from 0.3 days in June to 4.4 days in January. The mean number of cloudy days is highest in July, with 25.4 days. The mean daily evaporation is 2.9 mm.
Cloudy July mornings, with a 6.6 okta cloud cover, mean selecting shade-tolerant crops or using greenhouses or poly-tunnels to maintain adequate sunlight exposure. Additionally, the windiest month, September, with an average 9am speed of a relatively low 7.0 km/h, highlights the need for windbreaks or shelter belts to shield plants from winds and preserve soil moisture, ensuring a thriving permaculture ecosystem.
The property is located along an old railway line at the end of a ridge that drops into the La Trobe River valley. Like much of Gippsland, it is very hilly. The western side of the property was once totally cleared and has reforested over time with self-seeded Acacia and native cherries, though some of these are now dying off. Due to poor management, these steep forest areas infested with blackberries and weeds we would like to continue supporting this natural rewilding of these areas while retaining 50% food growing and farming.
The homestead's water supply system includes a strategic collection and storage setup with tanks capable of holding over 85,000 litres of rainwater, ensuring a dependable source for drinking water. Additionally, the discovery of a healthy dam on the property, despite access challenges due to overgrowth, offers potential for irrigation and livestock water, further enhancing the homestead's water resource management.
The homestead's water system efficiently collects rainwater from the garage and house into tanks totalling 88,000 L, with a new 70,000 L tank to further boost capacity. This setup, complemented by automatic transfers and moderate usage, ensures a sustainable water supply, even modelling the driest conditions. Added features like a CFA connector and quick link on the large tank enhance versatility for emergency and external use, securing a reliable water source for all needs.
We recently discovered that our property hosts the head of Hemp Hills Creek and a spring-fed dam previously obscured by dense blackberries. Neighbouring upstream, another dam sits in excellent condition, its edge marked by bull rushes and cattle access. Our dam lacks extraction infrastructure, prompting us to initiate plans for a pump and holding tank system.
The farm features two primary roads: the main driveway leading to the house and garage, and a track that skirts the northeastern and northwestern boundaries towards the dam. The track falls short of the dam by 50 meters, hindered by overgrowth and lack of maintenance. Upgrading and expanding existing farm roads is necessary for better access to different areas of land.
Two main forests exist—an older, more established Messmate forest along the roadside and a younger, self-rewilded Acacia forest. These pioneers are showing signs of the end of life, and many are dead or dying—the opportunity to reforest with more indigenous species.
The only permanent buildings on the site are currently within the Homestead area: a 120 m² house, a 50 m² garage, and a farm Office area. These are located on two separate level platforms connected via steps. The driveway connects to both platforms with the upper platform, allowing plentiful parking for at least a dozen vehicles. The house platform has parking for 3 to 4 vehicles.
A fence exists on the outer boundary of the property and around the homestead area. The fences are mostly intact, but heavily overgrown with blackberry, and will likely need repair.
The total soil bacterial levels are mostly within the desired range, but the active bacteria are below optimal. Fungal populations, both active and total, are significantly below what we're aiming for, with no active fungal biomass present. Additionally, our protozoa and nematode counts are lower than ideal, with flagellates and total nematodes notably deficient, indicating a lack of nutrient cycling and biological diversity in the soil. Mycorrhizal colonisation, crucial for plant nutrient uptake, is also insufficient for both endo and ecto types.